How to Add Special Character Requirement in PIN on Windows 10

Guide to Add Special Character Requirement in PIN on Windows 10. – Multiple ways on this OS allows you sign-in into Windows including a common way PIN. But while using PIN, you definitely want to make it stronger with a view to keep services, apps, and account more secure. So, Windows 10 includes an extra setting that allows adding special characters to the PIN.

The Group Policy Editor comes with a new policy in the OS – PIN Complexity. This policy has many settings which can make PIN more stronger and complex. One such special setting of PIN Complexity is Require special characters. After you enable this specific setting, at least one special character must be there in your PIN. The special characters can be ! ” # $ % & ‘ ( ) * + , – . / : ; < = > ? @ [ \ ] ^ _ ` { | } ~ .

However, in order to configure this setting, your Windows 10 must ship with Group Policy Editor. Well, Group Policy Editor is accessible in all the editions, except for Windows 10 Home.

How to Add Special Character Requirement in PIN on Windows 10

Step 1 – To begin with, click Windows icon on the taskbar and start typing gpedit. Cortana will show up Edit group policy as the Best match, click it.

Step 2 – This will make the Local Group Policy Editor appear on the screen. Navigate to the following on the left sidebar – Administrative Templates => System => PIN Complexity.

Step 3 – On the right side of PIN Complexity, you will see various settings. Locate the setting Require special characters.

Step 4 – Once you see the setting, right-click on it. Few options will pop-up, select Edit.

Step 5 – This will open up another window of Require special characters. Three different options at the left side are – Not configured, Enabled and Disabled.

Not Configured – This option will not allow you to add special characters in the PIN.

Enabled – The PIN must have at least 1 special character in it.

Disabled – This option is similar to Not Configured. You cannot add special characters in the PIN.

Step 6 – So, choose the radio button Enabled.

Step 6 – Finally, to Add Special Character Requirement in PIN on Windows 10, click Apply and OK.

The exact explanation that Requires special character gives about the setting is –

Step 4 – Now, in the Set up a PIN box, type the old PIN in the first box.

Step 5 – Next, enter the new PIN in the other two boxes respectively. Lastly, to implement the new PIN, click OK.

Note – To check the new PIN, press Win & L and lock the screen. Now, enter into Windows by typing the new PIN.

Final note

This is a good feature which most of the users are accepting as it allows to make the PIN stronger and complex for anyone to crack. Well, PIN Complexity includes many more settings for making PIN more complex. However, to Add Special Character Requirement in PIN on Windows 10 is very simple. Try it for yourself and tell us how much secure your account is after making the PIN more complex.